Major Win for the Buckeyes: Elite RB Derrek Cooper Commits to Ohio State After Visit, Giving OSU the No. 3 RB in the 2026 Class
Ohio State just scored a massive recruiting victory as elite running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3 RB and No. 34 overall player in the 2026 class, has officially committed to the Buckeyes following a highly anticipated visit to Columbus.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back out of Houston, Texas, had already generated major buzz on the recruiting trail with his explosive speed, power, and vision. His weekend visit to Ohio State proved to be the tipping point, as Cooper was reportedly blown away by the coaching staff, the facilities, and the program’s tradition of producing elite running backs.
“I just felt like home there,” Cooper said after announcing his commitment. “The energy, the coaches, the way they use their backs—it all just made sense to me. I could see myself making a huge impact in that offense.”
Cooper becomes the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked commit in the 2026 class to date and gives Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford a true game-changer in the backfield. Known for his rare blend of speed and physicality, Cooper has drawn comparisons to past Buckeye greats like J.K. Dobbins and Ezekiel Elliott. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a three-down threat and a nightmare for defenses.
This commitment sends a strong message nationally that Ohio State is still a dominant force in landing top-tier offensive talent. Beating out the likes of Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Michigan for Cooper’s pledge is no small feat. It also gives the Buckeyes early momentum in a 2026 cycle that’s already shaping up to be loaded with talent.
With Cooper in the fold, Ohio State’s future backfield is looking dangerously deep. His skillset fits perfectly into the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, and his commitment may also influence other top prospects in the class to seriously consider Columbus as their next destination.
One of the most electric playmakers in the country is now a Buckeye—and that could spell big trouble for the rest of college football.
